UK craft brewers launch bottling plant

Three UK brewers, Sambrook’s, Ramsgate and Westerham, have teamed up to launch their own bottling plant as demand for bottled craft beer rises.

Broadstairs, Kent

The plant will be based in Broadstairs, Kent, and is due to open in June this year.

The project has been funded by Kent County Council’s “Grow for it in East Kent” campaign, which encourages businesses to invest in the area. Ten jobs will be created by the plant’s opening.

For Sambrook’s, the venture will allow it to double its bottle production by the end of the year and widen its portfolio – new products are due to be launched this summer and autumn.

The brewery’s founder, Duncan Sambrook, said: “We are excited at the prospect of having our own bottling facilities and see this as a fantastic step forward for Sambrook’s, allowing us to sell our bottled products outside of our core local markets.

“It is well known that the UK has experienced a huge growth in craft brewers across the country, but it’s less well known that bottling capacity for these brewers has not kept pace and there is real demand for quality bottling facilities to service the smaller producers needs. South East Bottling will not only be able to service our own needs, but other craft breweries around the UK.”

Sambrroks, Ramsgate and Westerham are inviting other small brewers from across the UK to use the plant.